Girl with special needs stays positive even with online learning challenges

Mayra Moreno Image
Saturday, September 12, 2020
Girl with special needs takes learning challenges with positivity
Mackenzie Chambers' condition makes her high risk during the pandemic, and she is unable wear a mask while doing school work. Include the challenges of remote learning, and you would understand if she gets frustrated. But in the video, she explains what keeps her going.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- When 11-year-old Mackenzie Chambers started her first week of school at New Caney ISD, she said it was not easy getting into the flow of virtual learning.

"I have five Zooms every day," Mackenzie said.

"We were having tech difficulties a lot and the internet was not working correctly, so it was kinda frustrating," said Mackenzie's mom Lynette.

Over all, Lynette was happy her daughter's district gave them the option of in-person or online learning since Mackenzie is considered high-risk.

RELATED: Families of students with special needs fear districts aren't thinking about them

A mother of a child with special needs explains why she is worried about her daughter returning to school in the COVID-19 era.

"When you have a child with health issues that's prone to pneumonia, it's a very scary feeling," Lynette said.

Mackenzie was born with a condition called arthrogryposis multi congenita (AMC), which basically means she has a hard time controlling her arms.

She uses her mouth to do her school work and to draw, so wearing a mask would not be an option for her.

"I do not want to go back to school and be surrounded by a bunch of people," said Mackenzie.

So for now, even dealing with the tech issues, it's all good.

"I always try to look at the positive side," Mackenzie said.

She admits it's no fun using Zoom for school, but she's making the most of it.

"My sixth grade teacher said, 'How do you do everything?' And everyone would yell, 'One step at a time,' and that's what you have to do. Not just in school, but with everything," Mackenzie said.

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